Not Just Training. It's a Partnership.
Train Your Own Service Dog Program
In our Owner-Trained program, you train your own dog — with our guidance every step of the way. Through personalized weekly lessons, tailored homework, training-log reviews, and ongoing phone and text support, we help you build a reliable, confident service dog team.
Not Just Training. It's a Partnership.
Train Your Own Service Dog Program
In our Owner-Trained program, you train your own dog — with our guidance every step of the way. Through personalized weekly lessons, tailored homework, training-log reviews, and ongoing phone and text support, we help you build a reliable, confident service dog team.
Is Your Dog a Candidate?
Not every dog is suited for the demands of service work. Suitability is determined through an in-person evaluation — not self-certification. The traits below describe what we look for, and our assessment will help determine whether your dog is a strong candidate.
- Health — Free of chronic medical issues and physically fit for the work ahead.
- Trainability — Curious, engaged, and enjoys learning.
- Calm demeanor — Friendly or neutral toward adults, children, and other dogs. Walks calmly past other dogs without barking, lunging, or growling.
- Comfortable with handling — Wears a collar, harness, and leash without issues. Allows food or objects to be taken away without guarding.
- Resilience — Recovers quickly from loud noises or unexpected situations without prolonged fear.
- Adaptability — Comfortable in new environments, around novel objects, and in varied situations.
- Non-aggressive — Shows no signs of reactivity or aggression toward people or animals.
- Low prey drive — Not easily distracted by moving animals or objects.
- Emotional stability — Tolerates being left alone for reasonable periods without significant distress.
Acceptance into the program is based on our in-person assessment — not on this checklist alone. If you're unsure whether your dog is a good fit, the evaluation is the right place to start.
What's Included
- One private lesson per week, focused on your dog's individual goals
- Personalized homework assignments after each session
- Weekly training-log reviews with written feedback
- Phone and text support throughout the week
- Group training opportunities as your dog advances
- Progress discussions at each session to keep training on track
Your Role in Training
Owner-trained service dogs succeed because of the commitment their handlers bring every day. Here's what we ask of you:
- Practice daily — short, consistent sessions between weekly lessons
- Attend every scheduled session with your dog
- Maintain your dog's individualized training log each week
- Communicate openly with your trainer about challenges and progress
- Ensure household members support — not undermine — the training
- Follow all laws governing service dogs, including not misrepresenting pets as service animals
Training Milestones
These stages represent individualized goals, not guaranteed outcomes. Each dog progresses at their own pace, and every level of achievement has real value.
Foundational Manners & CGC
Essential obedience and public manners — the foundation every service dog needs. Dogs who complete this stage earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title. CGC is our program's milestone; it does not confer ADA service-animal status or public-access rights.
Advanced & Urban Manners (CGCA / CGCU)
Navigating city streets, crowded spaces, and challenging environments with confidence. Dogs who complete this stage may earn the AKC CGCA and CGCU titles. These are program milestones; they do not confer ADA service-animal status or public-access rights.
Assistance Tasks at Home
Training the specific tasks your dog will perform to assist you — retrieving items, alerting to medical needs, providing stability support, and more. Task training is tailored to your individual needs.
Public-Access Preparation & Program Assessment
Preparing your dog to work safely and reliably in all public environments. Dogs who complete this stage take our Public Access Test — our program's final assessment. Note: ADA service-animal status is based on task training and disability, not certification. Our assessment confirms readiness by our standards.
Even if your dog does not complete every stage, the skills and bond you build along the way are genuinely valuable. Many dogs become excellent home-assistance or facility-dog candidates — and every level of training strengthens your partnership.
Pricing & Getting Started
View Program PricingHow to Get Started
- 1
Submit an inquiry
Complete the online form below. This requests an evaluation — it does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
- 2
Attend an in-person evaluation
We'll assess your dog's temperament, behavior, and suitability for service work.
- 3
Enroll after acceptance
If your dog is accepted, you'll begin weekly lessons tailored to your team's specific goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Request an Evaluation
Submitting this form requests an evaluation appointment. It does not guarantee acceptance into the program. We'll be in touch to schedule your visit.